Manila , Philippines -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- As the bodies of eight tourists killed in a bus hijacking in the Philippines arrived in Hong Kong , China , on Wednesday , the Hong Kong government urged citizens not to take their grief and anger out on Filipinos despite `` the poor way '' the hijacking was handled by authorities .

The Cathay Pacific flight , which also carried eight survivors and 19 relatives as well as dozens of officials , was greeted by a large crowd on its arrival at Hong Kong International Airport . In a somber ceremony , bagpipers played `` Amazing Grace '' as coffins were carried from the plane and wreaths laid upon them .

Several people were helped down a flight of stairs from the plane ; one man 's hand and arm were bandaged .

Chief Secretary Henry Tang received the arrivals and then told reporters his government would urge its Philippine counterpart to conduct an `` comprehensive , thorough , and impartial '' investigation .

`` The truth is the best consolation for the victims and their families , '' he said .

He added that Hong Kong is prepared to aid the Philippine authorities during the investigation .

`` In order to facilitate a fair and thorough understanding of the incident , we believe it is imperative that the investigation report should at least cover a detailed account of the whole incident ; and a detailed account of the causes of death and injuries , '' he said .

Two of three remaining hospitalized victims had been expected to be released from Philippine hospitals in time for the flight , but it was not known if they were on the plane that landed in Hong Kong . A third , more seriously injured tourist , remained in an intensive care unit in the Philippines .

Hong Kong 's Chief Executive , Donald Tsang , was to lead a ceremony to raise the flag and lower it to half-staff on Thursday , and a three-minute period of silence was scheduled for 8 a.m. , according to the Hong Kong government . Citizens were urged to join the ceremony or pay tribute in other ways during that time .

Meanwhile , residents in the Philippines observed a national day of mourning Wednesday in the aftermath of this week 's bus hijacking in Manila .

Hong Kong 's Equal Opportunities Commission said in a statement it `` understands the strong feelings of Hong Kong people on the poor way that the crisis had been handled by the Philippine authorities . ''

`` The EOC urges all members of the community to stay calm and , in line with our good tradition of tolerance and understanding , refrain from shifting our anger towards an innocent group , particularly the Filipinos who are living and traveling in Hong Kong , '' the statement said . `` The people of Hong Kong have every reason to take pride in the racial harmony of this city , and we should guard against any action that may cause racial hatred or discord . ''

Former police officer Rolando Mendoza , who was apparently upset about having lost his job , took hostage a busload of tourists from Hong Kong on Monday . Witnesses said Mendoza was initially willing to cooperate , but he was shot dead by police after authorities say he became violent and started shooting hostages .

Rodolfo Matibay , district director of Manila police , took responsibility for how the incident was handled , saying he ordered the police assault on the bus , according to Gen. Leocaldo Santiago , regional director of Manila police .

He has been placed on administrative leave while the case is being investigated .

Four men and four women were killed in the standoff . One passenger was critically wounded and six others were hospitalized with less serious injuries .

The gunman had previously released nine of the hostages , including a mother and her three children , a man with diabetes and two photographers . The bus driver escaped .

Santiago said police killed none of the hostages , though a ballistics investigation has yet to be completed .

Philippine President Benigno Aquino ordered all flags at public institutions in the Philippines , its embassies and consulates around the world lowered to half-staff .

In Hong Kong , flags also were lowered and traders at the Hong Kong Stock Exchange paused in silence .

The Chinese territory , meanwhile , issued a black travel alert for the Philippines , advising residents to avoid all travel there .

The government 's Home Affairs Department has set up 18 condolence points around Hong Kong to allow people to mourn the victims and offer messages of sympathy . Tsang made an appearance at one of them on Tuesday to observe a minute of silence .

A Facebook page also honors the victims .

At the Hong Kong Management Association David Li Kwok Po College , students and faculty remembered Jessie Leung , 14 , who was killed along with her father and sister . Her brother remains in critical condition ; her mother also survived the incident .

`` Jessie was a helpful girl -- cheerful , lovely , a good academic , '' said Catherine Chan , the school 's development manager . `` We hope her brother will recover soon . ''

In Manila , a makeshift shrine was erected in front of the bus , with flowers left for the victims .

The deadly standoff unfolded live on television , which the gunman was able to watch on a monitor on the bus .

Santiago blamed the live broadcasts for contributing to the violence as the standoff quickly deteriorated while police surrounded the vehicle .

`` We do not want to pass sweeping judgment or make early conclusions except to say that our intention to peacefully end this hostage drama was spoiled when the hostage-taker suddenly exhibited violent behavior and began shooting the hostages , '' Philippine National Police Chief Director Gen. Jesus A. Verzosa said Tuesday in a statement .

National police said officials noted `` some observations and defects during their close monitoring of the unfolding events . ''

The statement did not provide details . However , it listed poor handling of the hostage negotiations ; inadequate capability , skills , equipment and planning of the assault team ; improper crowd control ; inadequate training and competence of the assault team leader ; and noncompliance to media relations procedures in hostage situations .

`` The investigation has got to find out , what was the turning point ? What happened ? '' said Richard Gordon , chairman of the Philippine National Red Cross .

Gordon said survivors said the situation inside the bus changed dramatically toward the end of the 10-hour standoff .

`` Apparently the man went berserk . He was telling everybody he was not going to harm -LSB- them -RSB- . ... He said that nobody 's going to get harmed . He said that he was probably going to die , but not the hostages , '' he said .

Santiago said that Mendoza 's family members spoke with him early in the standoff and that he appeared `` very reasonable and very psychologically stable . ''

Mendoza was a decorated police officer , winning several accolades . But his career spiraled downward when he was dismissed a year ago for extortion , Manila Vice Mayor Ikso Moreno said , and he wanted his motion for reconsideration to be heard .

Moreno said that Mendoza 's brother was arrested during the standoff because he was `` guilty of conspiring with his brother '' and allegedly helped instigate the shooting .

Gordon said the brother 's arrest may have pushed the gunman over the edge .

`` When he saw his brother getting accosted by the policemen , he went berserk and he started firing , '' he said .

CNN 's Anna Coren and Elizabeth Yuan contributed to this report

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Hong Kong government urges restraint in aftermath of hijacking

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Bodies , remaining tour group members arrive in Hong Kong

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Condolence points have been set up around Hong Kong

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A police official says he ordered the assault